RE: sometimes when i downshift to second gear..i hear a crunch

["Nick Koleszar" <npk@domain.elided>]

Fundamentally, this happens because the relative speeds of the gears that
were trying to engage were not close enough. There is a number of reasons
why this occurs:

1. Worn syncro ring(s). In modern, constant-mesh type gearboxes, syncro
rings are used to try to match the relative speed of the gears that are
about to try engaging. If a syncro ring is worn, then it doesn't do its job
properly, and you hear a crunch if you are depending solely on the syncro.

2. Overcoming the abilities of even healthy syncros. If you are too brutal
with a gearbox, try to shift to quickly, shift into the wrong gears, drive a
cold gearbox too hard or similar, you can overcome the abilities of even the
best syncros and you will get a crunch.

You didn't say if you were doing anything differently when you get a crunch
but it is typical on Alfa Romeos for the 2nd gear syncro to be worn. If you
gave the gearbox time to warm up, you didn't do anything silly and you still
got a crunch then it sounds like the syncro may be worn. All things being
equal, however, if the syncro is worn then you should always get the same
crunch in the same situations.

Do you double-(de)clutch? Learning how to double-(de)clutch can give your
gearbox a much easier time but increases fuel consumption and, if you're
driving normally in a healthy car, you shouldn't need to double-declutch.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/transmission4.htm

nk

Nick Koleszar   koleszar@domain.elided
outgoing mail scanned for viruses by Norton.
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1971 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 2.0
1990 Alfa Romeo 75 3.0 QV
1993 Mini
1990-ish Rotax 125cc/Gbox kart
1995 Yamaha RX-S EI 100
1950s Douglas Vespa (FOR SALE)
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> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 1 Feb 2003 04:03:34 EST
> From: MRAXLROZE@domain.elided
> Subject: sometimes when i downshift to second gear..i hear a
> crunch please help alfa dige
>
> i have a milano verde.....is this serious?
>
>
> does this happned becuase its  really cold?
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